Ford C-max Energi PHEV approved for solo carpool lane use in CA

The Ford C-max Energi has been approved for the Green Clean Air Vehicle sticker in California, which means that a lone occupant driver in the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle can drive in the carpool lane without consequence.

“We’re pleased with California customers’ early interest in the C-MAX hybrids, our first dedicated hybrid-only nameplate in North America, in the No. 1 hybrid market in the U.S.,” said Michael O’Brien, Ford electrified vehicle marketing manager. “The C-MAX Energi is the most affordable, most fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid with the longest overall range for any utility or compact vehicle on the market today – this extra carpool lane incentive and rebate will help Californians go further with Ford in every sense of the phrase.”

Now that it is approved, Ford says it will likely be approved in other stats with similar carpool laws like Maryland, New York and Virginia.

In California, there are only 40,000 single-occupant access stickers available for any qualifying vehicles on a first come first serve basis.

Due to the smaller size of the C-max Energi battery pack, when compared to a 100% electric vehicle, the federal tax credit is $5,250 rather than the full $7500 available for vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and Ford Focus Electric.